actors

Actors learn staging, memorize lines, develop characters and perform onstage. Audition dates and times are mailed to those individuals on the audition mailing list and are listed in The Topeka Capital Journal prior to auditions. Those planning to audition are asked to read from the script; in the event of a musical, participants need to perform a prepared song and take part in a dance audition. Rehearsals are on weekday evenings and weekend afternoons. Production runs vary from thirteen to eighteen performances, three to five performances per week.

stage managers

The Stage Manager conducts all auditions, rehearsals and performances for a show under the supervision of the Director. Once in production, the Stage Manager oversees the cast and running crew, executes light and communicates needs to the Design Staff. As the most challenging volunteer opportunity at TCTA, volunteers are asked to first co-stage manage with an experienced volunteer or to work as a running crew member for several shows. The time commitment ranges from two to three months, four to six days a week, 3 to 4 hours a day.

running crew

The Running Crew consists of volunteers who execute all of the backstage changes during a production. Running Crew volunteers work each night of a production; however, two people can split the run of a show. The Running Crew is supervised by the Stage Manager and works closely with the actors.

follow spot operators

These volunteers operate the spotlights from elevated platforms facing the stage. As spotlights are frequently used for solos and dance numbers for musicals, precision and good timing are necessary!

sound board operator

The Sound Board Operator executes all of the recorded effects that occur during a performance. All recorded effects are on CD, cassette or reel-to-reel tapes. The operation of wireless microphones is also controlled by the Sound Board Operator. Experience in this position is helpful and training is available.

dresser

The Dresser oversees all of the costumes during a performance run. They also help the actors during quick changes and perform emergency repairs. In some instances, the Dresser also helps with hair and make-up.

Box Office Volunteers

These volunteers sell tickets, receive payment for pre-ordered tickets and distribute pre-paid tickets at the Will Call Window for each performance. Box Office volunteers are necessary for two to three hour shifts during evenings and Sunday matinee performances. Good people skills are a must and training is provided for all activities.

House Managers

Typically the first TCTA representative that patrons encounter, the House Managers supervise the entryway and lobby. This volunteer collects and counts ticket stubs, offers general information to patrons and manages the Hosts. A smile, neat appearance and helpful attitude are a must for this people-oriented task. These volunteers work two to three hour shifts at least once a month.

Hosts

Hosts, who are supervised by the House Manager, greet and escort patrons to their seats. Hosts also place playbills at each table setting and answer general questions regarding the theatre. As with the House Manager, a smile, neat appearance and helpful attitude are a must.

Buffet Wing Volunteers

These volunteers, posted by the doors leading to the buffet line, take dinner tickets and aid patrons that need assistance. These volunteers tend to the buffet wings for an hour at each dinner performance.

Box Office Volunteers

These volunteers assist with a large variety of projects within the box office. The box office volunteers are trained to handle reservations from the first phone call to mailing the tickets to the customer. These volunteers are utilized during box office hours and are generally scheduled in four hour shifts on weekdays. Good people skills are important and training is available.

Daytime Receptionist

Volunteer Receptionists help during daytime business hours with answering phones, routing calls and messages as well as helping with various projects. These volunteers commit to a specific day and shift on a continuous week-to-week schedule. Volunteer tasks such as filing and helping with accounting are also available.

Gardeners

During the late spring, summer and late fall, volunteer gardeners select sections of the grounds surrounding the theatre to water the trees, flowers and grass. This seasonal volunteer commits to a regular weekly watering schedule, but hours and days are flexible and often subject to weather changes.

Set Construction

These volunteers help build, cover and repair the scenery. Set construction encompasses a wide variety of construction techniques and material. Some of the materials used in scenery are wood, metal, foam, plastic and fabric. Projects in the scene shop depend on the degree of experience of the volunteer.

Scene Painting

Whether you are an artist or not, you can learn to paint at TCTA. Many painting techniques in the theatre are easy to learn. You can learn to paint scenery to look like brick, stone, marble, plaster, stucco, foliage, wallpaper or a variety of wood grains. You can master such techniques as spattering, sponging, rag rolling and dry brushing.

Properties Coordinator

Properties, or "props", are all of the set dressings used in a production such as books, housewares and food. The properties coordinator collects or constructs props during a show's rehearsal period and attends Tech Week rehearsals to make sure all the props are ready for the performance run.

Strike Force Crew

These volunteers help tear down each set following the final performance of each production. Strikes take between two and four hours and involve using power tools, clearing props and funiture and tidying the backstage wings.

Costume Team

Costume Team Members are required to have a basic knowledge of sewing skills. Sewing tasks range from sewing buttons, hems and trim to the construction of a garment.

Fundraisers

The success of TCTA's various fundraisers is largely dependent upon the help given by volunteers. Such fundraising volunteer tasks include house managing, hosting, distributing nametags, decorating the theatre, guiding tours and serving meals and drinks. The tasks presented are determined by the specifics of each fundraiser.

Opening Night Food Donor

These volunteers prepare a food or snack dish for each show's opening night party and deliver it to the theatre. This task, which is arranged on a show-by-show basis, is actually a volunteer activity that aids other volunteers. Cast and crew members are most appreciative of all these volunteers do!

Academy Volunteers

TCT's Academy appreciates the role volunteers play in the success of its classes, plays and events. Volunteers help with enrollment on Preview Nights, production needs for the youth shows, summer camp demands and mailings for each session.